“The most shocking fiction I have read in years. What is shocking about it is both the idea and the sheer imaginative brilliance with which Mr. Shute brings it off.”THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLEThey are the last generation, the innocent victims of an accidental war, living out their last days, making do with what they have, hoping for a miracle. As the deadly rain moves ever closer, the world as we … world as we know it winds toward an inevitable end….
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This should be required reading for everyone, especially high school students. What brought this book to mind is the nearby Titan Missile Museum, which we toured recently. That tour scared the daylights out of me, and it sent me back to this book, which also scared and continues to scare the tar out of me. The novel describes a post-nuclear world …
I have been thinking a lot recently about the dystopian novels I read in the 1960s when it seemed perfectly possible that nuclear war was imminent. People were building bomb shelters in their backyards and stocking up on canned goods and board games to last them. . . decades underground. Later it all seemed silly, but today? Who knows where our …
One of the great Post-Apocalyptic novels, and one of the earliest post-nuclear war scenarios, this is still a great read.
Realistic and uncompromising novel about the effects of atomic war as the radiation slowly spreads south to Australia after decimating the rest of the planet. How would you react and what would you do when faced with the inevitable? Author Nevil Shute holds nothing back, and his portrayal of his characters and Australian society in general is spot …
Written in the middle of the last century but with Global warming, Covid-19 and emerging tensions between east and west so sadly relevant and cautionary for a contemporary audience.
Depressing, but true to its times; and eerily true to our own coming climate disaster. A tale superbly told, for which Nevil Shute is so deservedly famous. Highly recommended.
A classic worth reading / re-reading. Still great writing.
This is a difficult read. The book is a relentless vision. The story has never left me. It is a history lesson of the time period it was written.
Another great book by Nevil Shute. I first read this book in 1967 when I was 16 years old. I’ve read it again in every decade since and the theme of the story seems to expand slightly each time I re-visit it. My life experience gives me a different perspective of the storyline as I age. Much like a recurring motif in music is enriched as it is …
Read this years ago, loved it. During the bomb scares/cold war this was a telling tale. Now, it is a good read, and a reminder of how going that far down the path can end up for mankind.
Read it many years ago. The world-wide threat still is there, more than ever. Never was able to get this book out of my mind.
Very good read
Beautifully written. Thought provoking treatment of the end of the world scenario. I always wonder how we would all act under the circumstances when we finally destroy our planet.
A Classic for those who grew up fearing the atomic bomb and underwent air drills in their classroom. A must read for those who wish to understand how we felt at that time.
Read this book 50+ years ago. It’s one you don’t forget. Excellent well written. Makes one think.
Obviously, the book is dated but it is still an excellent read (as long as you’re not hoping for a miracle happy ending).
It is the scariest book I have every read, because it could become true in my lifetime.
Only read it once.
The king of cold war classics.
A classic favorite.